Economic Development

City Planning

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Mayor Hancock Requests Thorough Review of Denver’s Shelter System

DENVER – Mayor Michael B. Hancock requested a comprehensive review of Denver’s shelter system as part of his commitment to Denver’s Road Home and efforts to enhance services provided to our community.

“We have been hearing concerns from our community on several different fronts and we are listening,” Mayor Hancock said. “Our homeless shelter providers are important partners of Denver’s Road Home. Its commitment to the most vulnerable among us is admirable and appreciated. This is an opportunity to provide focus and support where we need it most.”

In response to concerns raised by the business community, residential community, protesters of Occupy Denver and the homeless community itself, Denver’s Road Home will seek an external agency or agencies to conduct a complete analysis of the City’s shelters. Denver’s Homeless Commission’s Shelter Sub-Committee will use this information to inform decision-making and planning.

The assessment will include, but is not limited to:

Referral process

Queuing strategy

Client and community safety

Conditions

Capacity for overnight only, day only and 24-hour shelter

Geographic location

Client restrictions

Average length of stay

Additional services available

Exit strategies

Alternative options

Shelter availability is one component of a fully rounded structure to provide a path out of homelessness. Having an effective shelter system is an important short-term strategy that must be coupled with long-term strategies of transitional housing, permanent affordable housing, support services and the full range of tactics employed by Denver’s Road Home.